252Cf-plasma desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Details of a 252Cf-plasma desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometer are described. Fission fragments from 252Cf decay are used to produce rapid heating and ionization in thin solid samples. Time-of-flight measurements are made by single ion counting using fast pulse electronics techniques. An electrostatic particle guide is used to produce an 8-m flight path for high-resolution mass measurements. (Auth.)